The Netherlands wants to use its 2029 presidency of the Council of the European Union to present itself as a reliable and influential European player. But while the government is already preparing for tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of meetings, the political priorities that will define the presidency
The Dutch government is standing by its controversial purchase of two Chinese-assembled 3D metal printers for defence research, but newly published parliamentary answers reveal a broader shift in policy: future procurement decisions will face stricter scrutiny over strategic dependencies, supply chains and the origin of critical components. In response
As the United States prepares what could be its most sweeping sanctions yet against the International Criminal Court (ICC), Dutch officials are not caught off guard. The Hague had already anticipated that Washington might unveil new measures around this week's United Nations General Assembly, according to sources familiar
The Dutch government says it is deeply concerned by allegations that products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories may have entered the European market under misleading origin labels. On 22 September, the Netherlands will introduce its own trade ban on products originating from Israeli settlements in the
The Netherlands has shifted part of its gold reserves out of North America and into Europe, in an operation worth more than €10 billion. Officially, the move is about crisis preparedness and making the country's gold easier to trade in an emergency. But why did the relocation happen
As world leaders gather in New York next week for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Dutch government is preparing an broad diplomatic offensive. From artificial intelligence and cybercrime to Ukraine, maritime security and humanitarian crises, Prime Minister Rob Jetten and four cabinet ministers will take part in a
The Dutch cabinet has decided not to resume medical evacuations of sick children from Gaza to the Netherlands, despite repeated calls from MPs and aid organisations. Instead, Development Cooperation Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma is allocating €12 million for medical treatment in Jordan, Egypt, Gaza and the West Bank. Read on for
Ukraine wants the Netherlands to release €2 billion in support sooner than planned as Russian attacks intensify ahead of winter. But Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said that The Hague is not preparing to bring forward the money, despite a direct appeal from Kyiv's ambassador. Instead, the Dutch
After two days of intense scrutiny during the General Political Debates, one question remains unanswered: which parties will keep Prime Minister Rob Jetten's minority cabinet afloat? Despite repeated demands from both the left and the right, Jetten refused to reveal his preferred route to a parliamentary majority, leaving
The Dutch intelligence and security services AIVD and MIVD are rapidly expanding their use of artificial intelligence, from analysing vast datasets to summarising texts and mapping networks. But a new watchdog report raises a striking concern: the technology is spreading faster than the safeguards meant to control it, leaving authorities
As concerns grow over security risks posed by artificial intelligence, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten wants a coalition of European countries to move faster on setting international rules. Next week, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the Netherlands plans talks with like-minded partners on stricter AI
A decision to cancel the final of a European student debating championship because Israeli universities were due to participate has reignited a political and cultural controversy in the Netherlands. But despite pressure from multiple far-right parties in parliament, Education Minister Rianne Letschert (D66) has carefully avoided condemning either the
Dutch politics
The first day of the Dutch parliament's annual general political debate revealed deep uncertainty not only among opposition parties, but also within the political forces expected to keep Prime Minister Jetten's minority government afloat. As politicians sparred over welfare cuts, migration and budget support, one question
Europe & EU
The European Union is exploring an unprecedented new form of partnership with Canada, and the proposal is already receiving a positive response in The Hague. As Brussels considers making Canada the EU’s first-ever “associate member”, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten sees opportunities for closer cooperation on security, trade
Europe & EU
Dutch political parties have reacted in different ways to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for a new European Security Council, exposing a broader debate in The Hague about the future balance between European defence cooperation and NATO. While supporters see the initiative as a necessary response
Middle East
Iranian intelligence services have been quietly infiltrating the devices of dissidents, activists and journalists living in the West, according to a rare joint warning issued by Dutch, British and American security agencies. Behind seemingly harmless software downloads lies a sophisticated espionage operation capable of taking complete control of a victim&
Caribbean & Latin America
The Dutch government wants to turn a long-discussed Kingdom conference into a permanent fixture, bringing together the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten every year. But while ministers are presenting the initiative as a new chapter in Kingdom cooperation, key questions about the format, agenda and political role of
Africa
The Dutch government has reversed plans to close its embassy in South Sudan and its consulate-general in Antwerp, marking a significant retreat from earlier cuts to the diplomatic network. Yet the reprieve comes with a catch: five other diplomatic posts will still shut their doors as The Hague reshapes
NATO & Defense
The Dutch defence budget will rise to a record €28.9 billion in 2027, reflecting a dramatic expansion of the armed forces driven by NATO targets, the war in Ukraine and growing concerns about European security. Yet behind the surge in spending, the military continues to struggle with one of
Dutch politics
The first Prinsjesdag of Prime Minister Rob Jetten's minority government was marked by repeated appeals for compromise and cooperation. But as King Willem-Alexander delivered the longest King's Speech in more than two decades, opposition leaders from both the left and the right responded with the
Dutch politics
A coordinated wave of suspected sabotage has disrupted railway traffic across large parts of the Netherlands on Prinsjesdag, prompting an investigation involving police, prosecutors and intelligence services. While officials are urging caution until the facts are established, the scale and timing of the incidents are already fuelling speculation in The
Dutch politics
Belgian and Luxembourg foreign ministers Maxime Prévot and Xavier Bettel will attend Prinsjesdag in The Hague on Tuesday, marking a first for the annual opening of the Dutch parliamentary year. The unusual invitation is being presented as a sign of renewed political ambition within the Benelux — although there is also
Dutch politics
The route of the 'Glazen Koets' is fixed, the 'Troonrede' has been written and Finance Minister Eelco Heinen's budget briefcase is ready. Yet as The Hague prepares for Prinsjesdag 2026, the most important question remains unanswered: who will actually support the minority government'
Middle East
The Netherlands and Jordan have taken a significant step in their security relationship by signing a new long-term defence cooperation treaty that replaces a temporary arrangement dating back to the anti-ISIS campaign. But what exactly does the agreement allow, and why is The Hague moving now to formalise